© Nick Snelling

Sea, Pier and Splash Point

Local painter, crest-of-the-waves photographer and filmmaker, Nick Snelling, is exhibiting at The BlackShed Gallery, evolving his relationship with the sea, his camera and his paints and pallette. HOT’s Zelly Restorick asked him some questions about his inspiration.

Nick Snelling, in his element

What was your inspiration for this exhibition, Nick?
This is the first time that I have used my swimming films as references for my paintings. The exhibition is built around 3 films: Sea, Pier and Splashpoint.

How long have you been a Hastings / St Leonards man? What do you like about being an artist here?
I’ve lived in Hastings for 20 years. I originally came here for the light, the sea and the cheap studio space. There are a lot of like-minded people here trying to be creative and we all support each other.

How did the link come about with the blackShed gallery?
The blackShed has a reputation for integrity and putting on consistently high-calibre shows. I approached Kenton and he encouraged me to make the link between my films and the paintings, in the form of a limited edition box set for each film with two flip books and an individual catalogue of paintings for each film.

Nick Snelling painting

Have you always felt a connection to the sea and the pier?
I was brought up near the sea in Hythe, Kent and swam all year round. I was drawn to the pier in its derelict state, as a thing of beauty and wanted to film it from underneath, exposed to the sky, bringing together the three elements of sea, sky and structure.

Who is Nick Snelling?
I love being immersed in nature and that is the subject matter of my painting.

What’s your message to the world?
Get in the water; it’s the best therapy you can get.

Nick Snelling’s website here and the blackShed gallery here.

Nick Snelling exhibition: Sea, Pier and Splash Point                                                         the blackShed gallery, until 22 November 2014
Tuesday – Saturday 10am–4pm or by appointment
Unit 3b, Russet Farm, Redlands Lane, Robertsbridge, East Sussex  TN32 5NG                 Tel: 01580 881247

Also in: Visual Arts